The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has urged lawyers to uphold professional responsibility in political and electoral disputes, warning against forum shopping and the filing of multiple suits to secure favourable court orders.
Kekere-Ekun gave the warning on Monday at the inauguration of 68 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) at the Supreme Court complex in Abuja.
She cautioned lawyers against taking cases to court divisions they considered more favourable to their clients or instituting multiple proceedings seeking substantially similar reliefs, warning that such practices could result in conflicting orders and undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
“ It can also create the unfortunate impression that parties are seeking not justice according to law but a particular outcome from a particular court,” she said.
The CJN expressed concern that the growing volume of political disputes before the courts could delay the determination of other cases, stressing that the urgency or public prominence of electoral litigation should not undermine the right of other litigants to timely justice.
“There is, moreover, a broader institutional concern. It does not augur well for our judicial system or the administration of justice if the courts become so overwhelmed by political disputes that other cases in their dockets are consequently delayed or denied the timely attention they require,” she said.
She added that lawyers must exercise sound professional judgment before commencing proceedings, particularly when related cases are already pending before another court.
According to her, counsel have a duty to disclose the existence of related proceedings and respect the jurisdiction and processes of other courts.
“The responsibility of counsel extends beyond securing an immediate advantage for a client; it includes a duty to protect the integrity and orderly functioning of the judicial process,” she said.
Kekere-Ekun also urged judicial officers to exercise restraint during electoral periods, warning that their words and conduct would be subjected to public scrutiny.
She said judges must avoid political associations or conduct capable of creating an appearance of partiality and remain within the boundaries established by their judicial oaths and the Constitution.
The CJN further highlighted ongoing efforts to modernise the Supreme Court’s operations through digital technology.
She disclosed that the court commenced implementation of the Nigerian Case Management System (NCMS) on July 1, 2026, alongside the Supreme Court of Nigeria (Mandatory Upload of Electronic Copies of Processes, Records of Appeal and Other Matters) Practice Directions, 2026.
According to her, the reforms are designed to improve case management, strengthen the security of judicial records and reduce avoidable administrative delays.
Implementation, she said, was being phased, beginning with pending appeals scheduled for hearing between September and December 2026.
Kekere-Ekun expressed optimism about the growing adoption of the case management system across the judiciary.
Meanwhile, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), raised concerns about professional misconduct among lawyers and called for the modernisation of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC).
Fagbemi also commended the introduction of electronic filing, noting that an effective justice system depended not only on sound judicial decisions but also on efficient and transparent procedures.
“While these judicial pronouncements strengthen the substantive foundations of justice, the effectiveness of the judicial system also depends on the efficiency and integrity of the processes through which cases are brought before the court and determined,” he said.
The 68 new SANs were recognised for their contributions to the legal profession. They are:
Ibrahim Gamdeh Adamu
Jude Chukwuemeka Okafor
Godwill Achibong Umoh
Sunday Samuel Obende
Adebayo Olugbenga Adaralegbe
Jimson Ejovi Okodaso
Olalekan Lawrence Bade-John
Olaotan Thomas Olusegun
Philemeon Audu Daffi
Adenrele David Adegborioye
James Eromosele Agbonhese
Alexander Nduka Muoka
Onome Okodiya
Emmanuel Akunke Akomaye
Ikhide Ehighelua
Mas’ud Mobolaji Alabelewe
Ogunmuyiwa Olayinka Balogun
Anthony Auditz Iroagalachi
Mohammed Tajudeen Mohammed
Odion Peter Odia
Gbemiga Adaramola
Moses Okoh Onyilokwu
Charles Azubuike Obodozie
Hakeem Obafemi Agaba
Bimbo Felix Atilola
Okechukwu Steve Emelieze
Joshua Demilade Olaniyan
Igonikon Abiola Adekunle
Christian Nnadozie Nwokorie
Sadiku Momoh Ilegieuno
Sarafa Kolawole Idowu
Olujoke Enitan Aliu
Oliver Onyenucheya Amuzie
Adebisi Emmanuel Adeniyi
Faruk Abdullah
Sagir Gezawa Suleiman
Ifeanyi Godwin Ezeuko
Adebayo Folorunsho Ologe
Sabiu Gumba Adamu
Eric Keme-Egolukumor Omare
Soibi Ideriah Ovia
Somina Peter Johnbull
Chinedum Ikenna Umeche
Emmanuel Eghiegba Ekhasemomhe
Mohammed El-Hassan Sheriff
Junaidu Bello Marshall
Olawale Sunday Fapohunda
Adebiyi Alaba Adetoboye
Senior Sulyman Ibrahim
Agba Eimunjeze
Ayobamidele Oyekunle Akande
Adetunji Taiwo Adedoyin Adeniyi
Olamide Moigbotoluwa Adekunle
Umaru Yunusa
Akorede Habeeb Lawal
Darlington Nnabuike Ozurumba
Nnaemeka Francis Patrick Egonu
Kayode Orire Omosehin
Mitchel Akinrinsola Aribisala
Bolu Agbaje Akadri
Oluwaseun Asimiyu Alao
Olugbenga Olusanya Ajala
Mustapha Olayinka Ajenifuja
Afees Hassan Adebayo
Mohammed Abiodun Adelodun
Jonathan Akintola Makinde
Olajide Salami